South Africa will no longer require fully vaccinated travelers to provide a negative PCR test to enter the country. The country’s president announced the relaxation of travel restrictions as part of a wider easing of Covid-19 measures, which came into effect on Wednesday (23 March). Unvaccinated travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers, will still have to provide a negative PCR test result on arrival.

South Africa ends PCR test rule for vaccinated travellers

By Rob Gill
23 March 2022
Contact Reporter

South Africa will no longer require fully vaccinated travellers to provide a negative PCR test to enter the country.

The country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the relaxation of travel restrictions as part of a wider easing of Covid-19 measures, which came into effect on Wednesday (23 March). Unvaccinated passengers will still have to provide a negative PCR test result on arrival.

“Travellers entering South Africa will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours,” said Ramaphosa during a live TV announcement on Tuesday (22 March).

He added: “All unvaccinated travellers entering the country who want to be vaccinated will be offered a vaccination.”

All travellers arriving in South Africa had previously been required to provide a negative PCR test, regardless of their vaccination status.

South Africa has also removed the rule requiring the wearing of face masks in all outdoor public areas but it remains mandatory in public indoor spaces.